Get to know the 'pro' - Dale Bellido
19 Dec 2009 | Bodan Temnyk
Bodan: Hello, Dale. First off can you tell us a bit about yourself and what your accomplishments in the game of Yu-Gi-Oh! Are?
Dale: I’m 23 years old currently a student. My accomplishments are 2nd place 2004 Nationals, 5th place 2007 Nationals, 2006 Shonen Jump Chicago Champion, 13 Shonen Jump Day Two’s.
Bodan: Wow, that’s a long list of accomplishments. What is your opinion on the current state of the game?
Dale: Slowly balancing out with the release of Hidden Arsenal and Elemental Hero Absolute Zero.
Bodan: What improvements would you like to see made to the game within the coming year?
Dale: More Shonen Jump Championships and much better prize support.
Bodan: We know that your brother has also had some great success in the game, winning numerous Shonen Jumps, Canadian Nationals and making it to World Championships. In your opinion who is the better player between the both of you?
Dale: He is, hands down.
Bodan: Recently there has been a large debate in the competitive Yu-Gi-Oh! Community. Krebons or Deep Sea Diva? At Shonen Jump Columbus you and your brother opted for two Krebons and Emergency Teleport, Lazaro found success making Day Two and you narrowly missed out at 8-2. At the same time Jeff Jones ran a similar build but ran two Deep Sea Diva over the ‘Teleport Engine’, he also made Day Two. In your opinion what is better? And what is the advantage of one over the other?
Dale: Please refer to my YouTube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbYEPAlwoRQ
Bodan: Recently you’ve chosen to follow suit of many other Yu-Gi-Oh! ‘Pro’s’ and decided to make a Youtube Channel. Most of us know that your Girlfriend Audrey has found great success on Youtube, finding many subscribers and averaging close to a thousand views on all of her videos. What is your opinion on the ‘Yugi-Tube’ community? Do you believe it’s nothing more than a passing fad?
Dale: Most of the people are in it for the trades, there are very few “pros” that actually will continue with informative videos and continue just to post binders and once in awhile make a random strategy related video.
Bodan: Having played in many large events across North America. In your opinion, who are the best players you have played against?
Dale: Team Overdose, not to sound obnoxious but I don’t feel threatened by anyone.
Bodan: While we’re on the subject of best players. Many players from outside North America have been travelling to Shonen Jump events over the year and many have found success (Namely Rodrigo Torres and Vincent Ralambomiadana, winners of Shonen Jump Orlando and Columbus respectively). In your opinion how do players from Europe, New Zealand, Japan, Australia compare to North American players?
Dale: Well I’ve met a couple of European players, Stefano Memoli, Michel Grüner, Claudio Kirchmair and Rodrigo Togores, all very good players on par with the “pros” in North America. I haven’t got a chance to see the other players but I wouldn’t say there not good players if they believe that they can find success and spend that much money to come and participate in Shonen Jump Championships.
Bodan: How do you feel about players classifying cards as preference choices? And what is your opinion on playstyles? Do you believe that they exist?
Dale: Yes, I do believe this exists i.e. Krebons versus Deep Sea Diva, same with playstyles to a certain extent.
Bodan: For any player travelling to a Shonen Jump Championship, do you believe that cheating is prominent? And do you think that Konami should crack down harder on cheating in the game?
Dale: It’s not as bad as people online think, but its always going to be there. That being said I think Konami is slowly getting everything together and you should be seeing Bans in due time.
Bodan: What do you feel is the best deck currently?
Dale: Straight Zombies. But I haven’t really looked into Elemental Hero Absolute Zero decks.
Bodan: With the pending release of Elemental Hero – Absolute Zero players have been wondering wether or not the deck will succeed or ‘flop’ at the upcoming Shonen Jump Los Angeles. Have you tested the card yet? Do you think that it will make a big enough impact to compete with Lightsworn, Zombie and Blackwings?
Dale: As I last said I haven’t looked into it, but I believe I’ll see three or so make day two at Shonen Jump Los Angeles.
Bodan: I’m sure that many readers would like to know; what’s the difference between a ‘good’ player and a ‘pro’ player? Is it talent, or is it something that the player can learn?
Dale: There are many "good’ players who refer to themselves as pros, there are not as many pros as people think there are. The list is way too long but pro players are always looking to improve and are willing to admit mistakes. But there are some things that pros have and are hard to develop (i.e. reading players)
Bodan: Any advice for players looking to improve their game?
Dale: Practice with good decks, put down your Alien deck and pick up a straight netdeck.
Bodan: And lastly, what do you want to achieve in Yu-Gi-Oh! Before you quit?
Dale: Win nationals….
Bodan: I’m sure that’s what every player is looking to achieve, Thank you for your time.
Hope you all enjoyed the interview, my next interview will be with Shonen Jump Anaheim Champion Jeff Jones. Stay tuned!
Elemental Hero Absolute Zero – Available in YU-GI-OH!: GX, Vol. 4: The Semifinals Begin!
Krebons – Available in Turbo Pack: Volume 1, only available at official Konami Tournament stores and The Duelist Genesis, currently in stock at most respecting Good Games stores.
Deep Sea Diva – Available in Raging Battle. Currently in stock at most respecting Good Games stores.
Emergency Teleport – Available in The Duelist Genesis. Currently in stock at most respecting Good Games stores.
Hidden Arsenal – Currently in stock at most respecting Good Games stores.
For discussion.